A Rehoboth couple, Thomas and Elizabeth Charnecki, have donated an historic piece of land to the town of Swansea, to be used for conservation purposes.

The 14.75-acre property is located at the northern end of Sharps Lot Road, at the Dighton border, in what is known as the two-mile purchase.

“Their land is a valuable resource to the town,” said Conservation Agent Colleen Brown.

The Charneckis acquired the land from Thomas Charnecki’s parents. He said his father purchased the property for $75 in 1947 from a man who needed the money to pay a poker debt. His brother, Thomas Charnecki’s uncle, paid the taxes on the property.

“It was after World War II,” Charnecki said. “There wasn’t much money around.”

Charnecki said his family never lived on the property. It has always been preserved and kept for its nostalgic value.

“My wife and I have considered donating it for years,” Charnecki said. “We paid the taxes and tried to be good stewards.”

He said they wanted to turn it over to someone who would take care of the property. When he learned about the state’s open space program, he knew it was the right way to dispose of the land.

“We’re all here temporarily,” Charnecki said. “You’re only a steward of it for the time you’re here.”

The land, Brown explained, had to meet certain state requirements, such as natural resources criteria and wetlands protection, in addition to showing that it is an endangered species habitat. Brown said it met all of those requirements.

An early map, according to Charnecki, shows there were hay fields on the property when a survey was done, probably between 1900 and 1904. Rock walls that criss-cross in the woods are still present, as well as “remnants of old ditches at the property lines.”

The property has an early town boundary that marked the border of Swansea and Dighton. The boundary is a rough stone monument that is 6 feet high and now leaning over. It is located in the middle of a swamp, somewhat submerged, and “practically in the Cole River,” Charnecki said.

The stone boundary has an “S” on one side and a “D” on the other side, for Swansea and Dighton. It also lists dates going back to the days when Dighton officials walked the perimeter of the property to ensure no changes had been made.

The dates on the “D” side are 1830, 1845, 1870, 1890 and 1910. There are no dates on the Swansea side.

“Maybe Swansea had neglected it,” Charnecki said with a chuckle. “Of course, Dighton hasn’t been in over a hundred years.”

Another portion of the Charnecki land, about four acres, was sold to the Dighton Water District about 25 years ago. It would have been taken by eminent domain if the family didn’t agree to sell it.

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The Charneckis, who own the 19th century Victorian Perryville Inn Bed and Breakfast in Rehoboth, own two other pieces of historic and conservation land they plan to preserve through similar programs.

Selectman Robert Marquis said the donation to Swansea is an important piece of property because the land is in the town’s watershed area.

“Thank you very much,” said Selectman Kenneth Furtado. “We really appreciate this gift to the town.”

The Conservation Commission voted to accept the land May 29. The Board of Selectmen voted unanimously Tuesday to approve the acceptance, as was required.

“It’s a little different than a land acquisition,” said Selectmen Chairman Scott Ventura. “It’s a donation.”

Ventura said accepting the gift did not require a Town Meeting vote.

“Swansea is an interesting place these days,” Ventura said.

He said the town has experienced growth as a municipality, and also growth in its retail sector along routes 6 and 118, all while maintaining its rural character.

“In tandem, Swansea is realizing the importance of preserving open space,” he said. “It works well with the vision I share with my colleagues.”

The Charneckis, in conveying the land to the town, will be eligible for a state income tax credit.